Fertilizer plant to expand in Siouxland area, 100 new jobs

CF Industries is announcing a $1.7-billion dollar expansion at its Port Neal facility in northwest Iowa’s Woodbury County. It’s billed as the largest capital investment project in Iowa history.

Stephen Wilson, CEO of the fertilizer manufacturer, says the expansion will add 100 new jobs to the plant and increase its production capability.

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad came to Sioux City to make the announcement, along with state economic development director Debi Durham and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds.

Branstad says the project will give a huge boost to the state and local economies. He says the project will also create 1,500 to 2,000 temporary construction jobs.

The deal includes a variety of incentives from the state and county levels, including $22-million in tax credits, a 20-year tax abatement schedule beginning in 2016, and a new $5-million access road to the Port Neal plant.

Larry Clausen, of the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors, says the property tax generated by the project will create a windfall for the county.

The new jobs will have an average starting salary of $50,000 per year, ranging upwards of $80,000. Current Port Neal manager Nick DeRoss will oversee the expansion with construction to be completed by 2016.